K-28 Questions

1) The airpumps on the K-28 class were placed at the front, as Casey speculated, to improve visability from the fireman's side. On the K-27's, which have side mounted airpumps, this was a problem. On the larger K's, the airpumps were side mounted lower from the cab because of the relative difference of the size of the boilers. The weight of a cross compound pump on the side of a K-28 would not be an issue. Casey was correct also that the benefit of improved visability was offset by other problems, primarily caused by the effect of cold in winter to the pump and the associated plumbing. Also as has been discussed here was the issue if greater distance to the air tanks.

2) The heavy side-bearing trailing truck was placed in that position to support the weight of the rear of the frame and the firebox as the ALCO engineers determined this to be the best location.

3) Jerry is correct in the origin of the term "Sports Model", I would add only that the K-28's also had larger 44" drivers (same as K-36 and K-37's), which allowed them to be capable of greater speed than the smaller Mudhens which had 40" drivers.